Sierra backpacking: Ansel Adams Wilderness

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Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Jeff Winter, his brother EJ and L.A. Times photographer Ken Hively head to the Ansel Adams Wilderness in California for a backpacking adventure. They've been taking backpacking trips nearly every year for the last 35 years. Formerly the Minarets Wilderness, it was expanded and renamed the Ansel...

Jeff Winter, his brother EJ and L.A. Times photographer Ken Hively head to the Ansel Adams Wilderness in California for a backpacking adventure. They've been taking backpacking trips nearly every year for the last 35 years. Formerly the Minarets Wilderness, it was expanded and renamed the Ansel... (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

From Garnet Lake, off the trail, you can cross a stream to its neighbor Thousand Island Lake. The backpacking trip consisted of a 14-mile round-trip through various trails, towering granite walls and majestic lake views. The three hikers set up base camp at Garnet Lake and day-hiked to Thousand...

From Garnet Lake, off the trail, you can cross a stream to its neighbor Thousand Island Lake. The backpacking trip consisted of a 14-mile round-trip through various trails, towering granite walls and majestic lake views. The three hikers set up base camp at Garnet Lake and day-hiked to Thousand... (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)